ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to introduce stricter vehicle import regulations from July 1, 2026, under guidance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), targeting improved safety standards, supply chain transparency, and broader tax compliance.
A central feature of the proposed framework is restricting vehicle imports to tax-compliant entities. Non-filers and individuals not registered for tax purposes will likely be barred from importing vehicles, reflecting a wider government push to expand the tax net.
Under the new rules, only companies holding a National Tax Number and registered under the Companies Act 2017 will be eligible to import vehicles. Individuals and sole proprietorships are expected to be excluded entirely from the import process.
Importers of used vehicles will also be required to register with the Engineering Development Board, adding a further layer of regulatory oversight. Stricter verification procedures will ensure that only vehicles meeting defined safety and quality standards clear customs.
The framework places significant emphasis on after-sales support. Vehicles lacking adequate service networks, genuine spare parts availability, and trained repair personnel will be denied import clearance. Commercial importers must provide documented proof of after-sales arrangements, qualified technicians, and diagnostic facilities.
Quality control requirements will also be tightened considerably. Importers must submit pre-shipment inspection certificates confirming compliance with environmental and safety standards, along with fitness and quality testing documents. Post-shipment inspection certification will additionally be mandatory upon arrival in Pakistan.
Authorities will require importers to maintain detailed digital records for each vehicle, including engine and chassis numbers, to strengthen traceability and curb misreporting across the supply chain.
